According to reports by NBC News, Pete Hegseth’s attorney confirmed on Sunday that the former Fox News host, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for defense secretary, had paid an undisclosed amount to a woman who accused him of sexual assault.
Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, stated that the payment was part of a civil confidential settlement in 2023, but Hegseth maintains his innocence.
The accusation stems from an alleged incident in 2017, which Hegseth denies, calling it a consensual encounter.
Parlatore further claimed the woman fabricated a story to explain why she did not return to her husband’s room that night.
According to Parlatore, the woman later made the accusation due to pressure from her husband. He also mentioned that police investigations and video evidence, along with witness testimonies, showed the woman was the aggressor. No charges were filed after a 2017 investigation in Monterey.
In light of the accusations, Hegseth’s nomination for defense secretary will require Senate approval.
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) expressed support for Hegseth, though he noted that the Senate would need to review the allegations before moving forward with the confirmation.
